Stray Cat Becomes Star Employee at Italian Restaurant
A few weeks ago, the vibrant streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma, gained an unexpected celebrity. When Sarah, a dedicated staff member at Gambill’s Pastaria, arrived for her shift one morning, she encountered a surprise guest waiting patiently at the door—an orange tabby cat who seemed to know exactly where he wanted to be.
Meeting Mister Cheeto
Initially unsure of the feline’s temperament, Sarah approached cautiously. To her surprise, the cat was incredibly outgoing—rubbing up against her legs with the confidence of a longtime friend. This charming introduction soon led to the little orange cat becoming something of a fixture outside the restaurant.
“He was super friendly,” said Hunter Stone Gambill, the restaurant’s owner, in an interview with The Dodo.
The staff affectionately named the orange visitor Cheeto, a nod to his cheesy-colored coat. He soon earned the nickname “Garfield” too, due to his love for hanging out at a restaurant specializing in pasta.
Becoming a Restaurant Regular
Over the following days, Cheeto made himself right at home on the patio of Gambill’s Pastaria. More than just lounging, he started greeting diners with affectionate nudges and curling up beside them as they ate. He was quickly beloved not only by staff but also by the restaurant’s patrons.
“Cheeto … loves attention and seems to think he’s part of the staff,” the team at Gambill’s Pastaria shared on Instagram, further endearing him to the local community.
Safety First: Locals Step In to Help
As much as Cheeto seemed to enjoy his self-appointed role at the restaurant, the staff knew he needed a permanent, safe home. Located on a busy street, the restaurant wasn’t the best place for a stray to settle. That’s when Emily Shelton Gamel and Terry Gamel, a dedicated duo involved in TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) and fostering in Tulsa, stepped in.
“When I saw Gambill’s post about feeding a cat at their front door, I got concerned for its safety due to the restaurant being on a busy street,” Emily shared with The Dodo.
Emily and Terry worked quickly—posting Cheeto across several lost pet groups to see if someone was missing him. As no one came forward to claim him, the quest to find him a forever home began.
A Purr-fect Ending
Cheeto didn’t have to wait long before his big break came. Tulsa residents George and Derek were on the lookout for a calm, older feline companion for their cat, Qai. When they heard about Cheeto and saw just how mellow and sociable he was, they knew it was meant to be.
“He’s super chill,” Derek told The Dodo. “Super attentive.” It wasn’t long before Cheeto and Qai became fast friends, and Cheeto’s craving for cuddles was fulfilled in abundance.
“He is beyond our wildest dreams,” George added, emphasizing how perfectly Cheeto fit into their home and hearts.
Cheeto’s Legacy
From stray to star employee, Cheeto’s journey warmed the hearts of the Tulsa community and restaurant-goers alike. While he may no longer be greeting customers at Gambill’s Pastaria, his story lives on as a heartwarming reminder of compassion, community, and the magic of unexpected friendships.
Thanks to the kindness of restaurant staff and local rescuers, Cheeto has found more than just a safe place—he’s found a loving family and his very own forever home.
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